The Madison College Athletic Department celebrates Gary “Big Dog” Breneman’s 50 years of service to Madison college athletics, by renaming the school’s concession stand, “Big Dog’s” concession stand.
Positioned beside the new concession stand, sits a plaque reading “Gary ‘Big Dog’ Breneman” with a large photo of Breneman holding up two rock and roll hand signs, donning a large smile. This plaque is dedicated to Breneman’s long-standing service as the manager for the college’s basketball and baseball teams.
When asked how he felt about the unveiling of the concession stand, Breneman said with a smile, “I feel great about it.”
The concession stand was unveiled by Jason Verhelst, the Director of Athletics at Madison College. He talked about how the Athletic department decided to celebrate Breneman.
“To benefit the students he loves, we started a student athletes’ scholarship in his name,” said Verhelst.

In honor of Breneman’s 50 years, the Athletic department is promoting the “50 dollars for 50 years” scholarship campaign. The scholarship campaign is to help student athletes pay for their education.
Adam Eichstedt, the Athletic communications and marketing coordinator for the athletic department, thought of different ways on how they could appreciate Breneman. They eventually came up with an appreciation for Breneman and the athletic students at Madison College.
“But with big dog, part of recognizing what he’s meant, for his contribution for 50 years, we thought, ‘What if we could raise enough money to be able to give a “big dog” scholarship,” Eichstedt said.
Anyone can donate $50 to the scholarship fund and will be able to donate at wolfpackscholarships.com.
Breneman not only impacted the college but has greatly impacted the students throughout the years. If you ask anyone from the college, they are bound to tell you about Breneman’s lasting positivity and kindness he brings.
When asked how he would describe Breneman, Eichstedt answered, “The first thing he is, is positive.”
Breneman has been working with student athletes his entire career at Madison College, and many students and staff still remember him after they long have left.

On top of the unveiling of the concession stand, and the plaque honoring Breneman, he was bestowed the “Big Dog’ meal deal, which was created at the cafeteria to honor his 50 years.
The meal deal consists of a hot dog, popcorn, and a Mountain Dew, which Breneman could be seen eating on the sidelines at most games.
He was the first person to eat the “meal deal” and had a large smile on his face.
During his time at Madison College, Breneman worked in Madison College’s cafeteria and bookstore.
Before his 50 years, Breneman attended Madison College and graduated in 1976 from the Food Service program. It was during his time as a student he started working as a team manager.
Breneman was inducted into the Madison College Athletics Hall of Fame in the Class of 1991 and was awarded the Doug Redsten Memorial Service Award in 2010 for his support and service to Madison College Athletics.
After many years working as the team manager, the Madison Mallards inducted Breneman into the Wall of Fame and honored him with his own bobblehead night during the 2017 season.